Prisoners Face Challenges Pursuing Mistreatment Complaints

Why it matters locally: Virginia's Department of Corrections oversees numerous correctional facilities across the state, and the findings of this national investigation could highlight potential challenges for inmates within the state's prison system when reporting alleged mistreatment.

Prisoners who file complaints about mistreatment often experience retaliation, according to an investigation conducted by NPR and The Marshall Project. The investigation found that the process of reporting abuse frequently presents considerable challenges for inmates. Prisoners are permitted to submit grievances regarding perceived mistreatment. However, the investigation concluded that individuals who do so often face negative repercussions.